Why this article (and who it’s for)
If you’ve seen ads shouting “cheap movers Singapore” or “$280 per load”, you might wonder: Is that even possible in 2025? This guide breaks the numbers down in plain English, highlights what’s usually excluded, shows a real‑world bill shock example, gives you a comparison checklist, and ends with Xpress’s Fixed‑Price Pledge—so you can book with confidence.
About Xpress Movers & Logistics: Singapore movers since 2007. Islandwide residential, commercial and luxury moves. Your Satisfaction is Our Concern.
1) The 2025 Cost Reality: What a Single “Load” Really Involves
A “load” sounds simple. In practice, a safe, professional move takes time, skill and protection. Here’s a typical cost anatomy for one truck‑and‑crew deployment in Singapore (illustrative figures):
Labour
- 1 foreman + 2 movers for ~6 hours door‑to‑door
- Market wages + CPF + OT + training/WSH compliance
Vehicle & Fuel
- 14‑ft covered truck, diesel consumption, maintenance
- ERP/Parking at both addresses or loading bay
Materials & Protection
- Shrink‑wrap, blankets, floor runners, wardrobe boxes (loan), TV/appliance protection
Time & Logistics
- Pre‑job planning, routeing, MCST/guardhouse coordination, lift padding, paperwork
When you sum these fairly, $280 leaves little room to pay a trained crew, cover the truck, and still protect your furniture—unless the price is a teaser with add‑ons to follow.
2) What’s Usually Excluded in “Per Load” Ads
Per‑load ads tend to leave out the variables that actually drive effort and time. Common exclusions you’ll see added later:
- Stair carry (no direct lift access; per flight/per item)
- Long carry (distance from unit to truck/loading bay beyond a small buffer)
- Shuttle/lorry transfer (basement height limit; need a smaller vehicle)
- Bulky/heavy item handling (pianos, safes, marble tables, large aquariums)
- Dismantle & reassembly (beds, wardrobes, dining tables, wall‑mounted TVs)
- Packing service & materials (boxes, bubble‑wrap, shrink‑wrap)
- Condo coordination (lift padding, loading bay booking, waiting time)
- Weekend/Public Holiday surcharge
- Extra trip (if one load doesn’t fit everything)
- Parking, ERP, tolls
If a quote doesn’t explicitly state whether these are included or how they’re charged, you’re primed for add‑ons.
3) Example: How a $280 “Deal” Becomes a $780 Invoice
Let’s say you’re moving a 3‑room HDB to a condo, same town. You accept $280 per load (verbal). On the day:
- Actual volume needs 2 loads → +$280
- Stair carry for a few bulky items (one floor of stairs) → +$60
- Dismantle/reassembly for 2 beds + 1 dining table → +$120
- Condo waiting time (guardhouse + lift padding install) 45 mins → +$60
- Weekend surcharge (Saturday) → +$80
- Parking/ERP → +$20
Advertised: $280
Final bill: $280 + 280 + 60 + 120 + 60 + 80 + 20 = $900
Even if your numbers differ, the pattern is the same: the base price excludes the drivers that actually cost time and manpower.
4) The Only Fair Way to Compare Quotes (Checklist)
Use this to convert “cheap” into clear:
A. Inventory
- Rooms, estimated box count, and bulky items listed
B. Access
- Lift sizes, unit‑to‑truck distance, loading bay height, stair segments
C. Inclusions
- Wrapping/protection, wardrobe boxes, dismantle/reassembly, floor runners, TV/appliance care
D. Exclusions (pre‑priced)
- Stair carry $/flight, long carry $/30m, weekend/PH $, extra trip $, disposal $__/m³, parking/ERP at cost
E. Time & Crew
- Truck size, number of movers, and time window stated
F. Paperwork & Payments
- Formal work order, deposit/cancellation terms, payment modes (PayNow/GIRO/card), MCST timing acknowledged
G. Commitment
- Fixed price after survey (video or site). Variance clause if scope changes.
Downloadable version: Hidden Costs Comparison Checklist (PDF).
5) Xpress Movers’ Fixed‑Price Pledge
We keep it simple and transparent:
- Free video/site survey → no guesswork
- Itemised scope in writing (what’s included/excluded)
- Fixed price at your declared scope—no surprise add‑ons
- Pre‑priced variance table (e.g., $X per extra flight of stairs) so changes are predictable
- Professional protection: floor runners, shrink‑wrap, quilted blankets, wardrobe boxes (loan)
- Condo‑ready: we coordinate lift padding and loading bays with your MCST
Quality doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be honest.
FAQs (Singapore‑specific)
Q1: Are “per load” quotes always bad?
Not always. But in dense estates and condos, access varies wildly. A fixed price after survey is safer.
Q2: Can I still keep costs low?
Yes—declutter early, pack what you can, confirm parking/loading details, and avoid weekend/PH windows if possible.
Q3: What if my inventory changes?
Tell us before move day. We’ll update the scope or apply the agreed variance rates.
Ready for a transparent quote?
Xpress Movers & Logistics Pte Ltd
22 Sin Ming Lane #06‑76, Midview City, Singapore 573969
Tel/WhatsApp: +65 8289 3592
Email: sales@xpressmovers.com.sg
Hours: Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm
Core services: Residential & commercial moving, storage, disposal, contract delivery, luxury moving (pianos, art, designer furniture).
CTA: Get your fixed, itemised price today — Your Satisfaction is Our Concern.
